It’s All About Dad in June at Belmont Park Bridge
No matter what you call your father—baba or tata, papa or pita, daddy or dad—it’s all about him come Father’s Day! So the Belmont at Park Bridge team in Alpharetta, Georgia, asked * the Idea Specialists™ * for some ways to show the father figures in our lives a little extra love on Sunday, June 15, this year. First on the list? An ice cream outing! Fun For The Entire Family Going out for frozen treats is a way the entire gang can celebrate the occasion. And where better than Where’s the Scoop in the City Center, with award-winning farm fresh dairy and vegan ice cream, signature bubble teas, and freshly ground coffee—all made from scratch. The Idea Specialists™ swear by the Salty Sailor, made with Madagascar vanilla ice cream with pretzels topped with more pretzels, M&M’s, whipped cream, and sea salt caramel. The Strawberry Shawty is another fave. Oh my goodness at the options! Guilt-Free Golf For some dads, the best gift would be time spent with them watching the U.S. Open Golf Championship, the final round of which is traditionally played on the third Sunday in June (always falling on Father’s Day). Pile up on the couch in your comfy Belmont at Park Bridge living room and turn the TV to NBC or the Golf Channel to see if PGA Championship winner Scottie Scheffler walks away with another one. In keeping with the golf theme, the Idea Specialists™ can vouch that Golfballs.com does a great job on customized balls, tees, and towels, with excellent customer service and a fast turnaround time. Listen Up Google for Father’s Day gift ideas and one of your first results will be the Oprah Daily list of “50 Best Gifts for Dads Who Say They Don’t Want Anything.” One of everybody’s top picks is the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which provide high-quality sound—and mean that the wearer can take calls and play music while staying aware of his surroundings. Safety and convenience! Unlimited Auto Love The Idea Specialists™ are also big fans of practical gifts. That’s why they’re going to take advantage of the Unlimited Wash Club offered by SuperShine Xpress Car Wash on Grassland Parkway—as a treat for both themselves and their dads. At the same time, don’t forget the upscale Belmont at Park Bridge apartment home community has its own car care detail center. Cheers To Dad! Whether your pops prefers bourbon or beer, there’s something on the menu at Barleygarden Kitchen & Craft Bar at Avalon that will quench his thirst (and some tasty treats on the food menu, too, including for the kiddos!). Because Belmont at Park Bridge is a very pet-friendly luxury apartment home community, the team and the Idea Specialists™ were delighted to learn that Barleygarden is a dog-friendly joint! They have water bowls and treats for our four-legged friends out on the patio. Did You Know? According to History.com, the nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. But it wasn’t until 1972—58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official—that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. That’s when then-President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making it so. Economists estimate that Americans now spend more than $1 billion each year on Father’s Day gifts. * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Moms & Memories, Pets & Pampering—It’s The Merry Month of May at Belmont at Park Bridge!
It’s the merry, merry month of May at the upscale Belmont at Park Bridge apartment home community in Alpharetta, Georgia, which means Mother’s Day, National Pet Month, and more! And by more, of course we mean Star Wars Day Sunday, May 4, 2025: “May the Fourth be with you.” (If you haven’t seen the LEGO Star Wars sets, then maybe this is the year!) Quickly followed by Cinco de Mayo, which isn’t really that big a deal in Mexico. But, hey, who are we to argue about going out for some tacos and tequila this Monday, May 5? A Corsage For Your Mama The Belmont at Park Bridge team asked *the Idea Specialists™* to fill us in on the background of Mother’s Day, which is always celebrated on the second Sunday of May (May 11 of this year). They turned to the venerable Smithsonian for the goods: “The credit belongs to Anna Jarvis, who organized the first official Mother’s Day services on the morning of May 10, 1908, in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia, and later in the afternoon in her adopted hometown of Philadelphia.” U.S. President Woodrow Wilson gave the holiday federal recognition in 1914. It’s also because of Anna Jarvis that one of the gifts we give our mamas this month is flowers. She specifically selected her own late mother’s favorite flower, the white carnation, as the holiday’s official emblem. At many churches, particularly in the South, it became a tradition to give each female in the congregation a corsage on Mother’s Day, and not just of carnations. What mattered was the color—red or pink if your mother was still alive, and white if what remained were memories of her. Let’s Support Our Local Merchants! Belmont at Park Bridge loves being a part of the awesome Alpharetta community, and always wants to support our local businesses when we can. That’s why we loved the idea of finding that perfect arrangement for mom this year at Roger’s Florist & Flower Delivery on Haynes Bridge Road, which has some breathtaking designs. And they offer Mother’s Day delivery in town! Or, if you’re in the market for something that will last a little longer, La Bella Maison on Milton Avenue has everything from the latest styles in jewelry to a wonderful selection of bath and body products. (The Idea Specialists™ have fallen in love with Sunsets in Capri eau de perfume by Glasshouse Fragrances.) Mummy Yummies! And whose mom wouldn’t want to go out to eat on her special day? Mother’s Day at Avalon offers so many options, it’s hard to pick….but maybe start with brunch at Crú Food & Wine Bar and then do a little shopping at Monkee’s? (They will be gifting customers a free flower bouquet with purchase that day, while supplies last.) We’re A Pet-Friendly Luxury Apartment Home Community Because we’re such a pet-friendly luxury apartment home community, of course we love celebrating National Pet Month! It was founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1981 to recognize the bonds we develop with our beloved pets and promote responsible pet care through education and awareness. And, it’s anchored by National Pet Week the first full week of May. There are an estimated 1 billion pets worldwide, and we want to pet all of them! (Well, OK, maybe not the iguanas so much.) But we do love our fur-babies, so much so that we don’t have a weight restriction, and we do have pet stations throughout the property. The Month’s End Brings Memorial Day Memorial Day honors those who died or suffered injuries in battle, compared to Veterans Day on November 11, which celebrates all who served in the military, whether in peace or wartime. Monday, May 26, 2025, is a U.S. Federal holiday; government offices will be closed this year. Belmont’s office will also be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day and reopen Tuesday, May 27, at 10 am. *The Idea Specialists™* The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
April Appreciations—Community Easter Egg Hunts, National Library Week, The Masters & RPM Careers Week!
It seems like everyone’s calendars get crazier than usual when spring rolls around, and this April at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, is no exception! Easter, the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, National Library Week—there’s something for almost everybody to celebrate and appreciate! Let’s Hop Right Into Easter Mark your calendars now for Belmont at Park Bridge’s Giant Easter Egg Hunt during spring break, Friday, April 11! This annual event has become so wildly popular that this year we’re having two hunts—one at 11 a.m. for resident kiddos up to age 10, then one at 3 p.m. for resident children ages 11 and above. We can’t wait to see who will find the golden eggs this year! (Important Note: Everyone is asked to meet at the Leasing Office 10 minutes before the start of each hunt for instructions.) Another “eggcellent” way to celebrate will be to take your little bunnies to the Hop-A-Long Egg Hunt at Avalon Saturday, April 19. The Easter Bunny is coordinating two separate hunts for this event, too, to make sure everyone can safely join in the fun that day. All of these activities are taking place before the actual holiday because it’s late this year—Sunday, April 20, 2025 (Passover begins Saturday, April 12). Which gives you plenty of time to lay in supplies and have the fun of making your own charcuterie Easter basket! If you’re not feeling particularly creative, * The Idea Specialists™ * recommend a quick google search for the kind of goodies you want to share with family and friends. They found lots great boxes and baskets at Harry & David, as well as full holiday dinners! Locally, Sensational Baskets on Holcomb Bridge Road is an excellent option. Our Really Local Libraries! When you’re making plans to commemorate National Library Week April 6-12, put checking out the Belmont at Park Bridge Little Free Library first on your list! Take a book and/or share a book (or two!), get ready to hear more soon about our BIG EVENT celebrating Little Free Library Week May 11-17. This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Drawn to the Library,” and that’s because libraries have something that draws everyone in: books, magazines, computer stations, story time for kids, DVDS, online resources, and more. If you haven’t lately, stop by the Alpharetta Branch of the Fulton County Library System to see what all they have to offer. Teed Up Next—The Masters It just wouldn’t be spring in Georgia without the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, now would it? If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to attend—even if only for a practice round—take it! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most of us, though, will get to enjoy the lovely azaleas and admire the prowess of professional athletes like betting favorites Rory McIllroy and Scottie Scheffler from the comfort of our Belmont at Park Bridge living rooms. Here’s the guide for watching at home. We asked The Idea Specialists™ for some suggestions on how to throw a Masters party, and of course they came through! Egg salad sandwiches, pimento sandwiches, and Mini MoonPies are musts!! Don’t have time to make your own sammies in your custom-appointed kitchen? Not to worry—you can feast on tradition with the Taste of the Masters hosting kit! The world-famous classic concessions items, including pork bar-b-que, are delivered to your door, enabling you to recreate the patron experience. Another way to do that is to make an Azalea Cocktail, the beloved drink of golfers and fans alike. (Pro Tip: This pretty pink concoction goes well with most Easter menus, too!) RPM Careers Week Our final focus for this month’s blog is Residential Property Management (RPM) Careers Week April 14-18, 2025, because where we would be without the people who make it so easy to call our beautiful luxury apartment community home? Support services teams, maintenance/service professionals, suppliers, and leadership—everyone works together, and we’re especially fortunate because they all have a good time at the same time! Residential property management offers career opportunities for passionate, creative, and driven people from all walks of life, professional levels, and skillsets. Check out the National Apartment Association site for more info. Stop in any time to help us celebrate! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
March Madness & Aldi Fun Finds — Both Slam Dunks for Belmont at Park Bridge!
Just like everybody’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, everybody’s got a bracket when March Madness rolls around. That’s why Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, asked *the Idea Specialists™* for some slam-dunk suggestions on how to celebrate both this month. Ramadan is also taking place during March, and while it of course is a very serious observance, it comes to a close with its own celebration—Eid al-Fitr. Fellowship, Food & Fun Finds! From shamrocks to the Sweet 16, and whether it’s green beer and corned beef or “Courtside Punch” and chicken wings, the things all good March parties have in common are fellowship and food. The Idea Specialists™ plan to take their shopping lists to the ALDI in the North Bridges Shopping Center to stock up on staples and sweets. They have learned about so many good frozen foods and specialty items and gotten so many great recipe ideas from being members of the ALDI Aisle of Shame Community on Facebook! And of course there’s nothing “shameful” about it! The name really refers to the area in the center of the store that is packed with what the grocer refers to as “ALDI Finds,” a rotating stock of limited-edition, often seasonally themed items. It’s also a prime spot to score dupes of popular name-brand products, at a fraction of the price. Who wouldn’t cheer for that? Gameday Gatherings When it comes to watching the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, this year, you might want to enjoy the home court advantage that comes with having the South Regional Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games played at State Farm Arena (Georgia Tech is hosting). You also can plan to have a few folks over to enjoy the roundball action in the comfort of your luxury apartment home, or take advantage of the wonderful spaces in Belmont at Park Bridge clubhouse to cheer on your faves with your neighbors and friends. Decorate your drinks and spear your appetizers (served in hoop-designed snack cups!) with these fun basketball-themed cocktail picks the Idea Specialists™ found. It always adds an extra level of excitement when you’re competing against friends, so get yourself a bracket going! There doesn’t have to be any money on the line—it can be all about the bragging rights! You can also play around with non-sports brackets to get the non-fans involved—movies, music, and more, the list goes on and on. Check out this post for more ideas. The Wearing Of The Green While once thought of as primarily a day of Catholic religious observance to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in modern times St. Patrick’s Day is more about the wearing of green clothing and celebrating all things Irish! Faith and begorrah! This year all ye lads, lassies, and li’l leprechauns can sham-ROCK the night away Friday, March 14, at Luck of Avalon on The Plaza. The fun will begin at 6 p.m. and include: Live music from Will and The Exclamation! A traditional performance from Drake Irish Dance Alpharetta Pipes & Drums performance with The Atlanta Pipe Band Bars featuring themed-cocktails & more Paddy’s Day-themed airbrush designs A festive photo-op moment Patrick’s Day swag Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Fitr, a day celebrated by Muslims worldwide, marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. It’s also a highly social time, as people invite each other to breakfast together and meet for prayers at the mosque. In 2025, Eid al-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on either Sunday, March 30, or Monday, March 31, depending on the sighting of the moon. This day signifies the end of fasting and serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and community bonding. Eid al-Fitr means “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” and two favorite items usually on the menu are Sheer Khurma, a creamy and flavorful vermicelli pudding, and ma’amoul, Lebanese date cookies. The Idea Specialists™ can testify that both are delicious! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Sweets for Your Sweetie This Valentine’s Day
From initial spark to hot flame, brightly burning fire to softly glowing embers, true love and romance is worth celebrating at all of its stages. That’s why the Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartment home community in Alpharetta, Georgia, asked the *Idea Specialists™* for suggestions on making this Valentine’s Day a memorable one. A Killer Idea The first thing they said is that Ray’s at Killer Creek (off Mansell Road) is always a good choice for marking a special occasion. And this year, for Valentine’s Day they are offering a special prix fixe dinner menu, with special salads and entrée offerings ranging from salmon Oscar to charbroiled filet. The Idea Specialists are already saving room for their dessert choice—warm butter cake! Pink Drink Fun! Another great choice for this Valentine’s Day is The Cape Restaurant & Beach Bar in Avalon. In addition to their special menu, they’ve got a simply groovy house cocktail menu, which includes the Snowcap—a fun pink drink with strawberry-infused gin, aloe liqueur, pink peppercorn, and club soda. And there’s champagne, of course! Cheers! Love & Light The Idea Specialists™ love the idea of keeping the love going with another date night after Valentine’s Day. That’s why they’re planning to attend a special Love and Light performance by the Alpharetta Symphony at Alpharetta Methodist Church Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. You and your sweetheart will be thrilled with a selection of lighthearted, yet tender, staples of classical music. “Once the first chords hit you, you’ll recognize these tunes, although the names may not be as familiar. Featuring the heart-wrenching Pavane by Ravel, the joyous “Can-Can” from Orpheus in the Underworld, and the ultimate musical representation of true, unabashed love—Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet.” Other Ideas For other ideas about how to celebrate in the city, check out Awesome Alpharetta. And The Knot has a fun list—95 Romantic, Unique and Spicy Valentine’s Day Ideas for Every Couple. Sweet Dreams Are Made of This And speaking of chocolate….. Oh, my, but did the Idea Specialists™ come through for Belmont at Park Bridge with suggestions on this front! They hit the jackpot when they found this Food Network post on best buys for Valentine’s Day. Favorites? First up is the Salts of the World Chocolate Collection; each of these chocolates celebrates a different country and features salt, ingredients, and a wildflower all native to that country. So cool! Then there’s the Belgian Chocolate Covered Mini Doughnut Bouquet. Flowers are nice, but could anything really beat a beautifully packaged bouquet of chocolate-covered mini doughnuts? Then, for the vegan Valentines out there, the Idea Specialists™ recommend that you go with the Berry Bouquet Vegan Chocolate Box from Compartés. It is packed with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cranberries and cherries, all dipped in absurdly good vegan dark chocolate. Kids & Puppies The Idea Specialists™ also gave The Belmont at Park Bridge team a cute suggestion on how to celebrate the little lovies in your life—a cute mini-waffle maker! You can make kid-sized waffles in a heart shape perfect for Valentine’s Day morning—or as a dessert treat with ice cream and hot fudge! (Pro Tip: Add a little pink or red food coloring to the batter for that extra flair.) And because they know that Belmont at Park Bridge is a very pet-friendly apartment community, complete with pet stations throughout the property, the Idea Specialists™ made it a point to share some info on animal safety. Each year the experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) see a rise in cases around February 14, many involving chocolate or lilies. Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long as dangerous items are kept out of paws’ reach! * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Those Little Special Somethings
One Change To Make In Each Room To Make Your Life Better In 2025 Bedroom Magic The bright and airy bedrooms at the Belmont at Park Bridge luxury apartment home community in Alpharetta are just brimming with design potential! One way to maximize the natural light from their windows is with a large mirror to reflect that gorgeous Georgia sunshine and get your day off to a pleasant start. Like magic, it will make the already spacious rooms seem even larger! The *Idea Specialists™* love the idea of leaning an oversized arched mirror against a wall (no nail holes!!). From ornate to Midcentury Modern the styles abound, but you really can’t go wrong with classic black (available from Amazon). Bathroom Beautiful Tired of reaching for your toothpaste only to knock over your deodorant and lotion because your bathroom vanity has gotten so cluttered? It’s easy to get organized and beautify your surroundings with all of the container options available now, especially if you follow some of the tips in this House Beautiful piece! Some faves: Don’t double up! Buy cleaning supplies when you need them, instead of stockpiling. And keep them in a convenient caddy! Declutter once a season. Do you really wear the same lipstick in June that you do in November? No. So store stuff accordingly. And speaking of lipstick, check out this groovy rotating cosmetics display case! Kitchen Confidential You can instantly liven up your space, add warmth, and protect the floors in your kitchen by adding a colorful or patterned area rug or runner. The great thing about this change is that it’s almost the ultimate in temporary decoration—you can rotate rugs with the seasons without spending very much money so your culinary space stays fresh. (Like your vegetables, we hope!) Ruggable has unbeatable selections, easy-to-swap styles, and—best of all—their products are machine-washable! Good Housekeeping has everything you need to know before you buy in this post. Den Delights When it comes to choosing lamps for your den, the options can seem endless. Before you make a decision, think about how you’re using the various spaces in the room. Do you need task lighting for an area you’ve dedicated as a work space? A table lamp by the couch for reading? Once you know, then consider your color and style options. The Idea Specialists™ recently found this great combination floor lamp and end table. And, if you, too, are not a fan of visible cords, you can take your pick of colors with these affordable decorative covers. The Idea Specialists™ recently discovered Lamp & Shade Lighting City on South Main, an easy 10-minute or so drive from Belmont at Park Bridge, and could spend just hours talking with their team about decorating options (including delightful lighting, of course!). Balcony Bonus One of the great things about living at Belmont at Park Bridge is the option of having a private balcony. One easy way to bring color and comfort to the space is by adding greenery with potted plants, hanging planters, or even faux plants for a touch of nature. Artificial plant bonus: No worries about watering or changes in the weather! The Idea Specialists™ recently used a luxe combo of pots of trailing variegated String Of Hearts from Pottery Barn and traditional ferns by House of Silk Flowers (from Bed Bath & Beyond) to soften corners and enliven a balcony. For other ideas, check out great tips on selecting faux plants from The Spruce. Community Calendar Looking to get out and about to shake off the winter blues? Awesome Alpharetta doesn’t ever disappoint! Check out these sites for all your options: – Alpharetta Event Calendar – Patch – Sulekha Events * The Idea Specialists™ * The Idea Specialists™ is a group of design and inspiration professionals with a focus on communications for the luxury apartment home industry, as well as custom lifestyle planning and more.
Festive Holiday Cooking & Entertaining: Big Cheer for Clever Entertaining at Belmont Park Bridge, Alpharetta, GA
Who says you need to be a pro to host a holiday bash? With fun recipes and clever decorating tricks, even YOU can transform your home into a festive wonderland this holiday season. We asked the Idea Specialists© for their recommendations for high-impact low-effort entertaining and here is what they said… Let’s start with the food. Easy Recipes for the Star Host Glazed Maple Dijon Salmon Swap the classic roast for something sleek and simple. Brush salmon fillets with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a splash of soy sauce. Bake for 15 minutes and serve with pre-steamed green beans. It’s elegant, delicious, and practically effortless. Holiday Charcuterie Cups Skip the giant grazing boards and opt for individual charcuterie cups. Fill small glasses or paper cones with cheese cubes, nuts, cured meats, and festive touches like rosemary sprigs or cranberries. They’re portable, Instagram-worthy, and perfect for mingling. Mini Yule Log Brownies Bake brownie batter in a loaf pan, then slice and roll pieces into mini logs. Frost with chocolate ganache, dust with powdered sugar, and top with candy holly. These bite-sized treats are as show-stopping as they are easy to make. Décor That Wows in Small Spaces Twinkle with Lights: String fairy lights along bookshelves, doorframes, or around a mirror to create a warm, inviting glow. Bonus: they double as mood lighting. Mini Centerpieces: Fill mason jars with ornaments, cranberries, or pinecones. Top with a tea light for an affordable and chic decoration. Maximize Vertical Space: Hang wreaths or garlands on walls or doors to add holiday cheer without taking up floor space. Pro Tips for Stress-Free Hosting Make It Interactive: Let guests garnish their drinks with cranberries, citrus slices, or candy canes at a DIY holiday drink station. Or serve up a pitcher of White Chocolate Christmas Margaritas and garnish with cranberries and rosemary. Here’s the recipe: https://charmingcocktails.com/white-christmas-margarita/ Prep Ahead: Choose recipes that can be made the day before so you can enjoy the party too. Small Touches, Big Impact: Personalized place cards or festive napkins add an elegant touch without much effort. Apartment living doesn’t mean you have to downsize your holiday dreams. With these easy recipes, clever décor ideas, and hosting hacks, you’ll be the toast of the season. So, crank up the holiday playlist, pour some spiced cider, and get ready to entertain like a pro! Enjoy Michael Bublé – Best Christmas Songs (Yule Log Fireplace)
Let’s Talk Turkey …And Dressing!
The Idea Specialists™ at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, are already getting excited about Thanksgiving! They’re once again having the great “stuffing vs dressing” debate, researching all things cranberry, and making sure they’ve signed up for the annual Turkey Trot. And this year, they’re also going to try something new to them—tandoori turkey! Veterans Day But before Thanksgiving comes Veterans Day, which honors U.S. veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. In Alpharetta, American Legion Post 201 will celebrate with its eighth annual Cruz-In Car Show Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This FREE event will feature everything from classic to muscle cars, music, activities for the kiddos, and hamburgers, hotdogs, and Brunswick stew. Oh, and of course some barbecue. More Upcoming Events Even before Veterans Day there is plenty of fun to be had in Awesome Alpharetta, especially at the new Helium Comedy Club at Winward Plaza. Make plans now to be in the audience for Halal Hilarity Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.). Organized by Philadelphia native comedians Usman Habib and Moses The Comic, this remarkable groundbreaking showcase brings together an ensemble of internationally renowned Muslim comedians for what promises to be a night of non-stop laughter and unforgettable entertainment. Later in the month, the winter holiday season will get going full force with the lighting of the 50-foot downtown Alpharetta Christmas tree in Park Plaza Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (actual ceremony at 6:30 p.m.). Enjoy live music, snow flurries, vignettes from Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker, sing-alongs, and more! And, Santa Claus and friends will make a guest appearance! November 23rd is also when Alpharetta’s Annual Holiday Food Drive starts. Residents and businesses are invited to donate non-perishable goods to the North Fulton Community Charities (NFCC) Food Pantry. You can drop off items at seven Alpharetta locations during business hours or place any time on four of the wooden trees placed in downtown. That’s also the date for the Arts Alpharetta Artists’ Holiday Market—a perfect place to find some unique gifts to give this year! The Thanksgiving Table So, dressing or stuffing? What’s the difference? The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ will let you in on a secret—they actually like both! And there’s no way they’re going to try to settle the great debate about what the difference is…..they’ll let certain culinary experts do that. Instead, knowing full well that everybody thinks their grandma’s recipe is best, they’re sharing two they like: Southern Living’s Cornbread Dressing and Food & Wine’s Mushroom-and-Chestnut Stuffing with Giblets. Either would go great with tandoori turkey, a culinary delight that combines the best of East Indian flavors with that perennial American favorite roasted bird. Just think about the tandoori chicken you had on Diwali earlier this month—same concept! Cranberry Creations Another perennial American favorite at Thanksgiving is cranberry sauce. Some people swear by homemade, others prefer it right out of that familiar comforting can. Another popular spin is cranberry chutney, a sweet, spicy, and tangy blend of cranberries cooked with a mix of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and a touch of cayenne. Yep, you guessed it—it pairs beautifully with tandoori turkey! This is also the time to try out some different cranberry juice mock- and cocktails while gathering in your luxe Belmont at Park Bridge apartment home. The Ginger Shandy (another name for a Cranberry Mule) is a perfect mix of sweet, zest, and effervescence that nicely balances out the heavy holiday foods (we’re looking at you, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potato casserole!). Gobble, Gobble! No, wait—it’s the Gobble Wobble! Alpharetta’s ninth annual Thanksgiving Day 5K/10K and Fun Run. Sign the whole family up to make memories Thursday, November 28, 2024. Connect with the community, enjoy the outdoors, and kick off Thanksgiving with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. All races will start at Halcyon, the earliest at 7:45 a.m.
Live & Local, Fall Fun & Football
Dear Residents, As summer winds down and we welcome the first day of Autumn, we have an exciting event lined up for September! National Coffee Day: Mark your calendars for September 27th! We’re celebrating National Coffee Day with a special event at the clubhouse. Come enjoy a variety of coffee and some tasty snacks. For more details on what’s happening locally this month, be sure to read the rest of our blog. There are plenty of events and activities in the area that you won’t want to miss! Looking forward to seeing you at these events and around the community! Wishing you a Happy Fall! Sonya Sandoval, Community Manager LOOKING AHEAD TO SOMETHING LIVE & LOCAL With fall comes football, and with football comes the fun of tailgating with family and friends! But before we get to dishing the goods on tailgate goodies, the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ want to talk about having some other kinds of fun in and around awesome Alpharetta, Georgia. Go ahead and mark your calendars now for Alpharetta’s Wire & Woods Songwriters Festival, planned for October 11-12, 2024. This FREE event will feature two headliners (Sixpence None the Richer Friday night and Neal Francis Saturday evening), and more than 30 performances across multiple stages throughout downtown. Should be a blast for everyone from nani and dadi to the kids! Then, the next weekend there is another FREE community event—the Boo Bash! Head over to Wills Park wearing your family-friendly costumes from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 19, 2024. The littles can get their treat bags, and everybody can play games, dance, and watch a movie when the sun goes down. POPULAR GAMEDAY GOODIES Now, back to football! Whether you’re going to an NFL game with colleagues or watching ESPN and rooting for your favorite college team out of the weather and in the sumptuous comfort of your apartment home at Belmont at Park Bridge in Alpharetta, Georgia, you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of tasty treats on hand to satisfy family and friends. And yourself, of course! PICKLES & VEG Google for gameday goodies and you’ll find that pickles are really hot this fall—especially when you serve them cold in this Duke’s Mayo Pickle Dip. The Idea Specialists™ love the idea of putting this on burgers and hot dogs, using it for a different kind of chicken nugget sauce, and of course just eating it on some chips or crackers. Check out more sweet and sour food for thought in Delish’s 53 Pickle Recipes You Never Knew You Needed. Looking for some ideas for good vegetarian party foods? Take a look at Spoon University for some great videos on spicy snacks—from vegan wings (easy vegetable pakoras) to vada pav (basically Indian veggie burgers, only way better). COOLER CONCOCTIONS, DESI-STYLE Soft drinks, waters, beers, and spritzers are all cooler staples. Treat your guests to a little something extra with some restaurant-style mango lassi, which you can make ahead in a large lidded pitcher or non-glass beverage dispenser for easy transport. Masala & Chai has recipes for some other drinks that are sure to be crowd-pleasers (like the ice pumpkin cream chai latte!). TAKEAWAY TIME No time to get in your gourmet Belmont at Park Bridge kitchen before the next get-together? No worries! Madras Chettinaad on State Bridge Road has an incredible catering menu, with everything from the basics like samosa chaat, tandoori chicken, and puri to special veg and non-veg curries. And, of course, gulab jamun for dessert! Yummy! GAMEDAY MUST-HAVE The Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ know from experience that while it’s all fun and games on the field, collegiate and pro stadiums don’t play around when it comes to fan do’s and don’ts. One of the biggies is making sure that any bag you take in with you meets guidelines. These days you can go to Amazon and spend about as much or as little as you’d like on a bag. The ET website has the skinny; the Specialists are going with the imminently practical LOXOMU crossbody bag. (But this acrylic WJCD bag that comes in SO many colors and has a removable chain looks like so much fun! Maybe both?) Go Team!
Belmont Park Bridge Apartments is the Perfect Place for an End-of-Summer Staycation! Celebrate the Last Days of Summer Exploring Alpharetta!
Dear Residents, Even though it’s nearing the end of the summer season, we hope you’ve had a fantastic time and will be able to reflect on good vibes and special memories—especially those created here at Belmont Park Bridge Apartment Community! And speaking of good vibes, we’re excited to announce some upcoming events that we think you’ll love. REGISTER TO WIN A BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK From July 26th through August 1st, swing by the office for a chance to win a backpack filled with back-to-school goodies! It’s our way of helping you kick off the school year in style. NATIONAL LEMONADE DAY Then, on August 20th, join us for National Lemonade Day! We’ll be serving up refreshing lemonade in the office all day, so swing by to cool off and enjoy a sweet treat. We’ll also have lemonade ready for the kids when they get off the bus! Of course, there is always something new in our Little Free Library. Share with us what you read this summer. As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our friendly team. Now—read on to learn more about what’s happening in Alpharetta in August—and let’s talk about STAYCATIONS! EXPLORING ALPHARETTA Awesome Alpharetta does an excellent job of keeping a current running list of the many wonderful FREE local activities you can take advantage of during your staycation—or any other time, for that matter. From hiking and biking to art and history, there’s something for everybody to enjoy. If you haven’t been already, now might be the time to spend a day at Wills Park on Old Milton Parkway and Wills Road. Belmont Park Bridge is a very pet-friendly community, so the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ were pleased to be reminded of Waggy World, the dog park there. MAKING THE BEST OF YOUR STAYCATION The American Automobile Association (AAA) says the key to a good staycation is remembering that you’re on vacation, which can be hard to do when you’re staying home. They offer a few tips for planning: Stop daily chores and routines. Focus on activities you wouldn’t normally do. Select activities that relax you and bring you joy. Have a plan, even if it’s a loose one. Set a budget and stick to it. Of course the loose plan the Belmont at Park Bridge Idea Specialists™ have come up with involves hanging (with some sparkling cocktails) at the convenient community pool. And not only is it convenient, it and the sun deck and all of the landscaping and common areas are always so gorgeous and clean! We owe this to the exceptional work of our service team members, which is why we’re going the extra mile to honor them by declaring August as Maintenance Appreciation Month. Both AAA and Apartments.com have some great ideas about ways to spend your staycation. One suggestion is to cook a fancy meal. And sure, that’s always easy to do in your well-appointed apartment home kitchen, but the Idea Specialists™ have been amusing themselves lately by watching TikToks on private chefs in the Hamptons, which gave them an idea…… YOUR OWN PERSONAL CHEF Why not hire a personal chef for your staycation? Atlanta Personal Chef Service can prepare delicious dinners in their own kitchen or yours. They offer everything from weekly meal services to tasting menus, with special events in between! And if you’re going to enjoy lovely meals, why not splurge a little and get some lovely new linens to freshen up your dining table? ELLE Decor has turned the Idea Specialists™ on to the Ridhi brand of boho-inspired linens (handmade!) in all manner of summery patterns and prints. According to the site, “You can score a set of printed cloth napkins for just $26, tablecloths starting at $53, and placemats for under $40 (all on Amazon), allowing you to create the colorful tablescape of your dreams without breaking the bank.” FAMILY SUMMER MOVIE MARATHON Another good idea for an August staycation is a family summer movie marathon. A google search (the Idea Specialists™ do so love to search!) shows that the Pioneer Woman has a popular post up: “30 Best Summer Movies for Kids That Are Almost as Fun as Being Outside” One of those is that all-time classic The Karate Kid, starring Ralph Macchio. It doesn’t matter whether your gang is caught up on all six series of Cobra Kai or not, it’s still worth the watch—or re-watch! BACK TO SCHOOL School seems to start earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it? These days getting the kids ready to go back to class means familiarizing yourself with their different schools’ websites. Belmont at Park Bridge is located in the prestigious North Fulton County School District, which has a central website that links to all schools in the area. Getting ready also means scoping out those sometimes-wicked drop-off and pick-up lines, and making sure everybody has got the supplies they need. And want. According to the National Retail Federation’s Annual 2024 Back-to-School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874.68 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics. The NRF’s survey said they expect $38.8 billion to be spent on school supplies in the United States—the second-highest figure on record. Hot items for teens for fall semester 2024 are North Face backpacks and Vera Bradley lunch bags. (Students at schools that require clear backpacks can still have some fun with colors if they go with a Vorspack.) HIGH SCHOOL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HORRIBLE Got somebody about to start their freshman year of high school? Here’s some guidance for them, from a teenage neighbor of one of the Idea Specialists™. “For classes keep on track with your work and make sure you have all the supplies you need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. Most people are nice and will talk to you if you talk to them. For things to wear be casual, don’t dress up crazy for school. Lastly, keep in mind that learning is important but that’s not what school is all about, have fun and make friends.” Oh,
